Injured Treasure Coast veterans can learn how to fly

Renegade is looking for disabled veterans to participate in the "Broken Wing" project. Applications are available at www.renegadelightsport.com. For more information, contact Christopher Doc Bailey at 314-322-5660.

FORT PIERCE — Injured military veterans who want to learn to fly now have a chance, thanks to a program sponsored by the Renegade Light Sport Training Division at the St. Lucie County Airport in Fort Pierce.

Dubbed the "Broken Wing" project, the company will introduce wounded veterans to the freedom of flight in specially-designed aircraft — the new Renegade Speed Cruiser — which can be operated by hand controls. The large cabin can accommodate a 6-foot, 9-inch, 300-pound person.

According to Renegade Light Sport owner Christopher "Doc" Bailey, wounded warriors can come to the state-of-the-art facility in Fort Pierce, fly these aircraft and earn their Light Sport Pilot Certificate in an estimated 25 flight hours. Most can get their license in two to three weeks, depending on the weather, Bailey said.

"The skies of South Florida provide a perfect training ground for the project and offer beautiful training conditions to fly and achieve this bucket list goal," Bailey said. "Most of these wounded warriors are young, athletic people. This is not something they're used to. This is their chance to experience their own level of freedom in the skies."

Bailey said so far, eight wounded warriors have signed up for the program. He hopes to enroll at least 40 veterans for the flight school, which begins the week of June 17.

As a former Army medevac helicopter pilot, Bailey said he understands the expenses involved in learning to fly an aircraft. He's asking local sponsors to provide financial support for the "Broken Wing" project.

Volunteers have also stepped forward to help escort the soldiers and their families while they spend several weeks on the Treasure Coast. During their downtime, flight school trainees will get a chance to visit area museums, the beach, go sport fishing, and enjoy local restaurants and tourist attractions.

"This may be the experience of a lifetime," Bailey said. "It's my vision that when they get their pilots license, they take one of their loved ones and fly up and down the beach. This is truly a one of a kind opportunity to show our appreciation to those who have sacrificed so much."